Like peas, beans are legumes and build the soil. There are so many delicious types of beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris) that can be grown in vegetable gardens and containers. Green beans are both easy and quick to grow, which also makes them the perfect vegetable for novice gardeners. I grow both bush and pole types for the longest harvest season, planting them in my raised garden beds, but also in planters on my sunny back deck. Today, green beans remain one of my favorite crops to grow and eat. In fact, it was my love of green and yellow beans that inspired me to start gardening. Occasionally an insecticide or fungicide may be needed to control insects and disease problems.I’ve been growing green beans since I was just a kid. Most of these problems can be prevented or controlled by using sound cultural practices and planting resistant varieties. Disease issues include anthracnose, rust, powdery mildew and grey mold. Insect problems include leaf beetles, aphids and spider mites. Beans should be stored in a cool, dry location and kept fresh for several days, or they can be canned for long-term storage.Īlthough green beans are easy to grow, there are a few problems that can occur. To encourage the plant to maintain production, continue to harvest beans as they become ready. This will produce a bean that is tastier and tenderer.
Harvest beans while they are still immature and not fully developed. Green beans should be ready for harvest 45 to 60 days after planting, depending on the variety. Water as needed after beans become established, usually about twice a week. Reduce watering to once every three days after the first week.
Keep the seed bed moist, but not soggy, for the first week until germination occurs. Irrigate beans immediately after planting. Additional fertilizer can be applied throughout the growing season to keep beans producing until the summer heat takes its toll. Fertilizer should be applied at planting time and again after small beans begin to appear. In the absence of a soil test, add 5 pounds of 5-10-15 fertilizer per 100 feet of row. Soil test for a more accurate recommendation of lime and fertilizer needs. Green beans prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of approximately 6.5. Green beans are legumes and don?t require a lot of fertilizer. This will help ensure good soil contact and better germination. After planting, be sure to firm the seed bed with your hand, garden tool or cultipacker. Most green beans do best when planted about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart in the rows with 3 feet between the rows. Soaking seeds overnight in warm water will help speed up the germination process after they are planted in the soil. Green beans can be directly seeded in the garden and do not need to be started as transplants. They should receive six to eight hours or more of sunlight every day for optimum growth. Green beans grow best in a well-prepared and organically amended soil. Half-runners can be grown without support but they spread out more than bush beans and need plenty of room to grow. Half-runner beans are a cross between pole beans and bush beans. An advantage of pole beans is that they are easier to harvest you don?t have to bend over completely to pick them like you do bush beans. Pole beans can reach heights of 6 feet or more, so the support system should be strong and high enough to accommodate them. Pole beans are similar to bush beans but grow in a vining manner and require some type of cage or trellis system for support. They are great for raised beds and gardens limited in space. Bush beans are compact varieties that grow in a bush form and need no external support. Green beans come in three different types based on their growing characteristics. Air temperatures above 85☏ can cause flowers to drop and slow production. Soil temperatures should be at least 55☏ for good seed germination.
Green beans grow best when air temperatures range from 65☏ to 85☏. Green beans are a warm season crop that can be planted as soon as the danger of frost has passed in the spring. Fortunately, they are easy to grow as well. Green beans are one of the most popular vegetables for the home garden. Bob Westerfield, University of Georgia Horticulture Department
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